Cashmere is considered the most expensive wool in the world. What are the characteristics of its fibers, and why are cashmere garments synonymous with luxury? Read our article and learn about the characteristics of cashmere, as well as how to properly care for it!
Cashmere – a luxury material
Cashmere is made from the wool of cashmere goats, raised in Asia, in the region between India and Pakistan. Why is it such a highly prized type of wool? The phenomenon of cashmere fibers lies, among other things, in their thickness. They are incredibly thin – no more than 18 micrometers thick, with 1 micrometer being one thousandth of a millimeter! This makes cashmere lightweight, yet exceptionally soft and fluffy. People who complain about "itchy" wool generally don't experience even the slightest discomfort when wearing cashmere clothing. Another feature of this material is its thermoregulatory properties. Cashmere goats live in extreme conditions – they can survive in temperatures of several dozen degrees Celsius above and below zero. So if looking at a thin cashmere sweater and thinking it won't keep you warm on a truly cold day, we assure you: nothing could be further from the truth! Although it may seem incredible, cashmere fabric will ensure your thermal comfort in any weather ! Like other types of wool fibers, cashmere also absorbs moisture very well. This is another feature that makes wearing cashmere clothing very pleasant.
Why is cashmere expensive?
Cashmere sweaters can cost several times more than those made from regular sheep's wool. The high price is primarily due to the process of extracting and producing cashmere fibers. It's entirely hand-crafted, from the time-consuming brushing of the goats to separating the outer hair from the down. Equally important is the fact that cashmere goats produce significantly less wool than sheep. The process of weaving cashmere clothing is also very labor-intensive, in part due to the thickness and fineness of the fibers. It's worth mentioning that not all cashmere goat farms use ethical methods of harvesting. Therefore, it's worth looking for products with a certificate confirming that the animals don't suffer during brushing . The most well-known organization currently awarding this type of certification is Chyangra Pashmina. It requires suppliers to regularly submit up-to-date documents confirming that the goats they raise are treated appropriately.
Not all cashmeres are the same
The high price of cashmere means that "cashmere-like" clothing is increasingly common in stores. Therefore, when shopping, don't be fooled by labels or tags attached to clothing – the text on them can be misleading. To ensure that a given item is actually made of cashmere , check the inside tag. It's worth remembering that a new sweater made from high-quality cashmere fibers won't cost 200 or 300 złoty. If you don't want to spend several hundred złoty on it, check a second-hand store. Second-hand cashmere is just as good as cashmere that's just hit the shelves! Be sure to also check out our women's basic sweaters , made from the highest quality wool and cotton.
How to care for cashmere clothing?
To keep your cashmere clothes looking their best for a long time, you need to care for them properly. Above all, remember to:
- Wash cashmere by hand, in cool water , with the addition of detergent intended for washing wool and/or delicate fabrics.
- Be gentle with cashmere during washing. Garments made from this material should not be rubbed or wrung out .
- Dry cashmere clothes flat , away from direct heat sources (e.g. radiators).
It's best to keep washed, dry cashmere sweaters folded in the closet – hanging them on hangers could cause them to lose their shape. Don't wash your cashmere clothes too often. If they're not stained or odor-inducing, airing them thoroughly will suffice. Also, remember not to wear your favorite cashmere sweater day after day. After spending several or a dozen hours in it, take at least a 24-hour break before wearing it again – this will prevent it from pilling too quickly. For more valuable information on caring for wool, check out our guide: how to wash sweaters .
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